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Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes: Which is Better?

You may be confused as well with these names.

What’s the difference between them? What makes the best hiking shoes and hiking boots? Best Rated Hiking Boots – Best Backpacking Boots. And more importantly, which can make better hiking footwear?

Follow us to find the answer.

Hiking boots

When to choose hiking boots

Generally speaking, hiking boots are more protective and supportive than hiking shoes.

Sometimes there are no significant differences when they are just the high-cut versions of respective hiking shoe models. But some also have stiffer build to provide more support. The downside is they tend to be heavier than regular hiking shoes.

There are various situations you want to wear a pair of hiking boots:

Going through extended hikes on rougher terrain

Carry heavy loads

Beginner or casual hikers, who need support on less-developed muscles

Characteristics

Like the shoe counterparts, they are usually made from textiles with synthetic, suede, or leather reinforcements. But the ratio of textile is lower due to its requirement to provide more protection and support.

If you are a leather fan, they are the Best Rated Hiking Boots that will make you happy.

The most common models have toe bumpers and rands. With a pair of hiking boots, you will have greater underfoot protection thanks to the lightweight plates. They can prevent bruising, which you can see under your forefoot.

Most of the hiking models on the market have a waterproof version. This is because in real-world hikes – especially multi-days on with various weather conditions – you will likely encounter water sooner or later. In the winter, you can extend their capabilities with the strapped snowshoes.

Hiking shoes

When to choose hiking shoes

Compared to their boots brothers, hiking shoes tend to be more flexible and lighter. But on the flip side, they provide less support.

These are the common situations you can use a pair of hiking shoes:

Short-distance hiking without going off the well-defined trails

Light loads

Experienced hikers, who do not need a lot of support from their shoes

Characteristics

Like we’ve mentioned, hiking shoes are also made from textiles with synthetic, suede, or leather reinforcements. These materials can provide the abrasion resistance ability and a base structure.

There are many similarities between hiking shoes and other types of footwear. You can notice some models have a look of a pair of trail running shoes, allowing you to move faster on the road. To do that, they will sacrifice some protection and support. But at the same time, some look like a low-cut product of some hiking boots.

Hiking shoes under different hiking conditions

Weather is also a crucial factor when it comes to hiking shoes.

If you like to hike under warm and dry weather, then a pair of lightweight and well-ventilated shoes is your best best. They often have a lot of upper mesh, allowing better breathability.

But if your hiking times fall in the cold, wet weather, just get a pair of waterproof hiking shoes. And to get through snowy, muddy or rainy days, you must pay for the heavier shoes with a higher degree of waterproofing, which has less breathability under warm conditions.

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ConclusionWhile they share many similarities, those pairs of boots have different features that fit best to different purposes.

Quality hiking boots, being higher cut and heavier, provide more support and protection for those who want to carry heavy loads on rough terrains while the hiking shoes are more suitable for shorter and light trips.